On the night he set a new record for most attendance at a competition, the 36-year-old Portuguese delivered a killer blow during stoppage time
Manchester United hold on to a stoppage-time winner as Manchester United secure a lucky 2-1 Champions League Group F win over Villarreal at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
On the night he set a new record for most appearances in a competition, the 36-year-old Portuguese delivered a killer blow to save his manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from another disappointing result.
United put a goal behind Paco Alcácer’s 53rd minute opener before drawing level with a brilliant volley from Alex Telles, but then failed to make the most of the momentum shift.
After three losses in their last four matches, including a loss to the Young Boys from Bern in the group opener, United could not afford another slip-up.
But for longer parts of the game, the cards saw a lot of upset and if the visitors were quick in front of the goal, the competition could end with a break.
Villarreal beat Solskjaer’s side on penalties in last season’s Europa League final and Unai Emery’s side’s excellent organization and ability at the break again caused problems for a disgruntled United.
With Aaron Van Bisaka, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw all missing from defence, United were easily opened on several occasions in the first half, with Diogo Dalot spending a particularly difficult 45 minutes.
Arnaut Denjuma tormented United on the right side and tested David de Gea twice after being cut from the left flank.
Alcácer had a header from a Denjuma cross that was tipped off by the United keeper and, after a slip-up by Rafael Varane, found himself face to face with De Gea but fired wide.
After missing out on those opportunities in the first half, however, Villarreal took a deserved lead when Alcácer launched a counter-attack that turned into Denjuma’s low cross.
United struck back seven minutes later with a cleverly acted free kick as Bruno Fernandes chipped the ball toward the tails on the left and the Brazilian fired a perfect volley.
Edinson Cavani missed a good chance for United to catch a winner, wide at the back post, and the hosts survived a Golmouth scuffle, with Boulaye Dia going close to Villarreal.
Then, in stoppage time, substitute Fred hit a cross from the left, Ronaldo headed for Jesse Lingard, who fed the ball back to drive the Portuguese home.
Old Trafford burst into relief and joy and Ronaldo tore off his shirt and picked up a yellow card to throw it into the crowd.
Atalanta top the group standings with four points, one ahead of Young Boys and United. Villarreal is down one point.
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